Pictured is the sculpture that was vandalized last week at Lakenenland. (Photo courtesy of Tom Lakenen)

MARQUETTE — On Wednesday, Tom Lakenen of Lakenenland found that his sculpture park had been vandalized.

“There was fresh snow and a few fresh snowmobile tracks Wednesday morning, no other tracks,” said Lakenen. “Back at the lean-to by the snowmobile trail, a sculpture was tipped over and two American flags were ripped from it and destroyed. A propane bottle and burner was thrown into the snowbank, and a box of returnable cans thrown around in the lean-to.

“The following day there was more vandalism to the same sculpture and the log book, and a box of snowmobile maps taken and (potentially) burned. Two days of back-to-back vandalism is more than I care to deal with.”

Lakenen took to Facebook to announce that the beloved sculpture park on M-28 will be closed to snowmobiles “effective immediately.”

“Do not expect bonfires, coffee, or hot cocoa for the rest of this winter,” said the post. “The only exception is for neighbors on M-28 and Shot Point using the park strictly to access the trail.”

“The sculpture in question is in support of the people of Minnesota including Alex (Pretti) and Renee (Good), and for no ICE,” said Lakenen. “I’ll be (darned) if I’ll willingly give up (my rights) to ICE … I will try again someday when the whole country is not so hostile.”

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.